“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.” —Douglas H. Everett

It seems to me that the hardest point along the path of realizing a dream is anywhere in between putting it into motion and reaching the destination. However, by making the decision to begin the work that is necessary, you have stepped out of the notion that you must accept reality for what it is, as Everett mentions above, and instead have decided to carve the path you wish to see, thus meshing your dream world with the real world.

Dreams are gifts given to each one of us as hints and clues to what would make our heart sing. Daring to dream is indeed a choice, and it may at first seem risky because your dream may appear to be too far out of your reach, but the fact that you’ve imagined it, seen it with your mind’s eye, is proof that at least a small part of you believes it can happen.

While on the path of pursuing any one of my dreams, I find moments where I doubt yourself, where I question my ability to complete the task, asking myself if I really have what it takes. During these times, there are a handful of things that work to get me back on track and reassured. One of the first things is to focus on something else, begin a different task, and become immersed in a project that requires my full attention. Other ideas include reading inspiring work, talking to a supportive, positive friend or mentor, and when all else fails, I focus on the dreams that I have accomplished thus far.

The funny thing about dreams is that once you set the ball in motion, once you begin doing the work, day in and day out, it actually might arrive when you don’t see it coming. What I mean by this is that just because you have a clear idea of what it is you are pursuing, sometimes the dream you reach is far better and therefore slightly different than you imagined so that when it arrives you are in awe.

With that said, focus on the little things you need to be doing each day to bring yourself ever so slightly closer to your dream.  Try not to look too far down the road quite as often or only when you need to remind yourself what it is that is demanding such focus and hard work.  Trust me when I say, the good habits that you are forming in your journey will serve you well.  Gail Devers states a great reminder, “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”  Because believe it or not, “The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you.”

“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.”    

So whether you are at the gate just beginning your journey or right in the middle, don’t stop, keep striving, keep working, have faith in yourself and keep going. Dreams have a funny way of arriving unannounced, so always be ready to turn them into your reality.      

Have a lovely week and a productive Monday.  Just think, you’re one day closer.